Welcome to 2017, Aquarians! The New Year starts with Mercury retrograde in Capricorn touching on your 12th house of secrets, but soon reverses into your sector of friends, hopes and wishes. Venus turns the focal point onto finances and intimate relationships, however. Then January 12th brings a Full Moon in Cancer, with sensitive hidden issues playing on your subconscious fears. Recharge those emotional batteries and conquer any fears that may be rising to the surface.
February 26th sees a New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Pisces, your 2nd house of personal finances and values. It will have quite an impact on your finances, joint resources and possessions; legacies, taxes, along with money owed and owing, are also in the frame. August 7th sees a Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius. Both of these will be of great importance, not only to your personal needs but also your relationships and partnerships.
The Moon’s North Node, the Dragon’s Head, moves into Leo on May 9th, meaning that the Dragon’s Tail will bring a karmic awakening to Aquarians, as the nodes are an axis. This gives a sense of fated happenings, karmic events and people from past lives, together with people who have a significant bearing on your future.
Venus Retrograde
This year the love Goddess Venus, will turn retrograde in fiery Aries, your 3rd house of communication, then step back into Pisces, your 2nd house of personal finances and values. A planet is retrograde when it appears to be moving backwards through the zodiac. It’s a cosmic illusion, as planets are never actually retrograde or stationary, they just seem that way, thanks to the interaction of the planetary orbits. It’s a bit like travelling on the road watching another car beside you: when the other car slows down, or you speed up, it looks as though the other car is moving backwards.
Sensual Venus turns retrograde only once every eighteen months, the phase lasting about six weeks. This year, the love Goddess turns in conjunction with the Fixed Star Alderamin on the right shoulder of Cepheus, the King. It’s a fortunate star ruled by Saturn and Jupiter, grave and stern in judgement, awakening severe trials, celebrated in poetry and drama. By the Kabalists this constellation is associated with the Hebrew letter Shin and the 22nd Tarot Trump, “The Fool”.
At 9:10 UT on Saturday, March 4th, 2017, Venus reaches her retrograde station at 13° Aries 6′, in preparation for a retrograde phase that will last until April 15th, 2017, when she reaches her direct station at 26° Pisces 54′. At this time she halts in the sign of the Fish and begins her return to direct motion through the zodiac. On April 28th, she re-enters Aries, but remains in a shadow phase until May 19th, 2017. This shadow phase, especially just after the direct station, can be quite as intense as the actual retro phase.
The first part of the Venus retrograde phase occurs in your 3rd house. From March 4th to April 2nd, the influence of the Goddess in fiery Aries awakens your 3rd house of communication, local preoccupations and short trips. If you have planned to run errands or contact your siblings and neighbours, you are more than likely to be disappointed in some way, although Venus in your 3rd does favour creative writing and expression. Nevertheless, the use of flattery, charm, and humour can be most persuasive; just don’t rely too much on your charms while Venus is retrograde. You should have no trouble in gaining favours. Pleasant relations with neighbours and people you see a lot are in the frame, but do not be surprised if your sense of what’s appropriate, beautiful, or creative is seen as rater overdone, or even a touch bizarre. Studies or other creative forms of art may prove less than satisfying. If your contacts have been less than ideal, wait until Venus turns direct before you try to improve them.
The second part of the Venus retrograde phase is in your 2nd house from April 3rd to April 27th. This should be a fortunate position for Venus, when the cash seems to fall nicely in your lap, but recent financial developments could meet with hitches. You may have a greater tendency to purchase luxury items. More money than usual is also apt to be spent on social or cultural events as well as expenditures to enhance your appearance or your environment. The issue of wealth connected with social status may arise is some form. Other considerations you may have include joint income or the finances of a joint venture of one kind or another. Should financial matters be disrupted by disagreement you have to play the role of peace-maker. From April 6th to the 25th, Venus and stern Saturn will apply a square aspect to each other, which will obstruct the expression of your deeper feelings thanks to psychological fears arising in relationships. Financial speculations and business deals will not be favourable.
The Dragon’s Head and Tail
The Moon’s nodal axis, the Dragon’s Head and Tail, normally travels in a retrograde mode through the zodiac, and is particularly potent just before changing signs. The Mean North Node will be moving from Virgo into Leo on April the 29th, with the True Node following suit on May 9th. However, the effects of this change will be felt most strongly at 0 degrees of Virgo, your 8th house of other people’s money, sexual intensity and end-of-life matters.
As the North Node retrogrades into your 7th house, the South Node breaches the ramparts of Aquarius, your 1st house. The nodes are associated with giving and receiving, commitment and reward, not always of your own making. The lesson of your serious relationships are ultimately making them work and learning the ins and outs of being together and cooperating. Although you may agree on the goal of equality, agreeing on what actually comprises it can be a challenge and sometimes a conflict. The rewards are well worth the effort.
By establishing your boundaries you also gain a surer idea of what goes to make up the relationship. A stronger sense of individuality will emerge that can only reinforce you intellectually and emotionally and strengthen the relationship even further. A sense of fate seems to have brought you together, since you have so much to gain from each other. Karmic lessons can be learnt from identifying your self-worth too, which may present challenges within relationships and partnerships. Find your own singular vibration without the continual dependence and desire to please others. Although it may be difficult, it will help you grow as an individual taking control and leadership. The plan is to balance your needs with those of others in your life without sacrificing your own identity, thereby gaining happiness.
Relationships: the Journey to the Heart
Taskmaster Saturn remains in your 11th house of friends, hopes and wishes for most of the year. It’s a tough time for friendships and children, because your emotions are likely to be uncharacteristically reserved. You begin to assess your satisfaction with your career, efforts involving other long-range goals, and the role you play in the lives of other people. You must now confront the status of what you actually derive from being someone’s child, lover, spouse, parent, friend, business associate, or club member. As these roles come under increasing scrutiny, a strain is to be expected in the relationships and activities that are not making you happy. You may also find that your talents and skills must not be directed totally inward but also used for the benefit and satisfaction of others. The concept of sharing is important. You may have to take responsibility for a child that is not biologically yours, or become more responsible as a member of an organization or group effort. Under this influence, the answers you need are not found within yourself, but by reaching beyond yourself and understanding your place in the outer environment. Thank heavens December 20th sees this awkward phase end, with Saturn entering ambitious Capricorn, your 12th house of secrets, sorrows and subconscious motivations. More on that next year.
From the start of 2017 until January 27th, energetic Mars will be in Pisces, your 2nd house, stimulating a new approach to your value system. However, in the process, this could bring on problems with jealousy and possessiveness. From January 3rd to February 2nd, adorable Venus joins Mars in your 2nd house, adding romance and intensity. From January 27th to the 29th, love may bring disappointment, but at least you will remain realistic about your expectations. Finances could also be affected at this time. Your actions during this phase will be brought back to mind when Venus retrogrades back into Pisces between April 3rd and April 27th. You’ll be able to patch up disagreements, recovering your feelings and the passion in your relationships.
Mercury is retrograde at the start of the year and briefly enters your 11th house on January 4th, then going direct on January 8th and re-entering Capricorn on the 12th. You’ll touch base on clearing any misunderstandings with children and loved ones.
The Sun moves into innovative Aquarius from January 19th to February 17th. It is time for an assessment of your willpower and ego. Renew your inner vitality and energy. How determined are you? What is your purpose in life? How much personal influence do you wield? You can be more forceful and dynamic now, but resist the temptation to be arrogant! Too much self-assertion makes it difficult to accept (or ask for) the advice and opinions of others. The urge to develop your personality, appearance and personal skills is combined with a greater need to be more successful and independent. A strong, healthy self-image makes you more productive as an individual, which in turn encourages you to treat others with more generosity and sensitivity. Take care of things personally. Don’t allow others to speak or act for you. Your personality, behaviour and physical presentation can make the difference between success and failure.
A New Moon in Aquarius follows on January 28th, when you will undergo a new direction in expressing your own emotional needs and understanding your partner’s needs. Emotions however could fluctuate, so pay attention to what you are saying and to your reactions. Mercury sweeps into Aquarius from February 7th to February 25th when self-esteem and willpower prompt you to express yourself. Travel and communications now are closely linked with your ego and personal goals. You strongly identify with ideas that reflect your own thoughts or that provide a more aggressive or perhaps a more dramatic forum in which you can express yourself. You can reach higher levels of imagination and originality. Take the ideas of others and add your input to create something entirely different and unique. However, appropriating the ideas of others and presenting them as your own is not the way to run. You may feel like buying an expensive automobile and travelling first class.
The Lunar Eclipse in Leo on February 11th will bring unexpected opportunities, while also illuminating your relationships, legalities, travel and expanding your mind thanks to the fascinating people you meet. The Solar Eclipse on February 26th will bring changes in your intimate relationships, but make sure your feelings are not delusional thanks to Neptune in your 2nd house. Some will experience a closure, a parting or separation.
August 7th brings a partial Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius. Quite often this marks the onset of significant changes to a relationship. The choices you make could well change your long term plans, heralding a separation. It doesn’t mean it will happen to everyone, because that depends on the impact it has on the planets in your natal chart. Talk through any problems, review each other’s needs, and reach mutual compromises. August 21st brings a Solar Eclipse in Leo, your 7th house, which has a bearing on relationships, legal agreements, divorce settlements and any open conflict. It will serve as a conclusion. Whether a relationship is resilient enough to continue and withstand any storms may be totally out of your hands.
December 1st to the 24th sees Venus in Sagittarius, your 11th house, which will be great for friendships and achieving your hopes and dreams. However Mercury turns retrograde on December 3rd in your 11th house. You may have to do some sweet talking; peer through the fog and don’t allow emotional dramas to get the better of you, not only in friendships but also love relationships thanks to the Full Moon in charming Gemini on December 3rd. This will be very timely, as the New Moon in your 11h house arrives on December 18th, setting a new direction with your love life, friendships, social activities and children. On December 19th, you’ll feel the tensions ease when Saturn thankfully makes his peace with your 11th house and moves on to your 12th house of hidden matters.
Career and Finances: Stake Your Claim
Fearless Mars starts the ball rolling from March 10th to April 21st, entering your 10th house of career and ambitions. You are likely to be highly motivated and enthusiastic about accomplishing your objectives and long-term plans. Impress employers, authority types and those in your profession with your ability to lead and control. However, in your hurry to fulfil your ambitious streak, challenges may present themselves by others in your sphere. Try not to be too bold and egocentric with superiors; be aware that your reputation could be tarnished through impulsive actions.
That said, Mercury is retrograde between April 9th and the 19th. This will bring annoyances, particularly if you have applied for another career role, want to discuss your options with your employer, or are waiting for that promotion. Mercury, having started the retro phase in Taurus, steps back into Aries on the 20th, but will return to direct motion on May 3rd. The Cosmic Messenger will be in a shadow phase until May 21st, after which you can present your ideas, or even change your decisions and plans.
During this phase the Sun blazes into your 10th house from April 19th to May 19th, emphasizing your career and long-term plans. If you feel that you have taken one step forward, then two steps back, blame it on Mercury and Venus retrograde! On April 26th, there is a New Moon in Taurus, which gives you the confidence to take steps in promoting yourself. Go with your gut feel as to your next career move, be it lateral or on a different path altogether. Loving Venus then skips into your 10th house from June 6th to July 4th, giving you the promise of prestige, recognition and achievement. You are likely to be in the limelight in some way, so make the most of your success.
November 4th brings the Full Moon in Taurus, which will heighten your desire for success in business and professional issues. You might find yourself swirling in the limelight although you can expect some unrest over travel, people from overseas and educational matters. You’ll dwell on areas of finances, sentimentality and intimate relationships. You will be intuitive of other people’s needs, spirituality and interest in life after death. Try to balance your professional life with that of your family. Review your progress during the last 6 months and evaluate the future long-term goals you want to achieve.
Finances
Nebulous Neptune will remain in Pisces, your 2nd house of finances for some time. Ensure there is no confusion over money matters and your financial obligations, as misunderstandings, misrepresentation and deception are highly possible. The main targets this year are income, assets, and values, with the possibility of a slow erosion of your material assets as a result of bad investments, unwise extravagance, loss of earning ability, or for other reasons. If you happen to be an individual with great wealth, you may feel guilty or decide it is too much of a burden, and you may go so far as to waste or give away your assets. Erosion of values is also possible as you suffer confusion and misjudgement about what or who is most important in your life. Of course, money is not always wasted or lost. You may become more intuitive and even inspired as to how your income may be improved. Instead of becoming weaker, your values may be stronger as you come to realize that there are other things at least as important in life as money and material wealth.
February 26th sees a New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Pisces, your 2nd house of personal earnings, values and possessions. It’s an important time to take care of your finances, so be ready for adjustments to expenditure, budget constraints and evaluating your financial situation. Arguments could ignite over joint accounts, other people’s money, overseas investments and travel.
March 12th sees a Full Moon in meticulous Virgo, your 8th house of other people’s money, sensuality and intensity. This creates pressure, especially if you rely on money coming through investments, a partner’s income or other shared resources. Events may urge you to be cautious, and put some money aside as a nest egg for the future.
Mercury heads into Virgo on July 25th, but will turn retrograde on August 13th. Set out to have all your financial affairs up to date well before this time. From August to September you will be in a position to appraise your monetary situation. From September 5th to October 22nd, Mars steams through your 8th house, so you will be prone to spend money impulsively and keep a firm hand on the plastic. A partner’s income or jointly-held property may require more attention than usual. You may be forced to collect debts and favours owed to you, or make arrangements for repayment of your own debts. Issues concerning insurance, taxes, inheritance, or money you manage for others may also demand more of your time and attention. Thankfully, with the help of the Goddess Venus, in Virgo from September 20th to October 13th, money should be easier to come by, either through your partner’s funds, or other sources. There’ll be the temptation to spend up just as quickly on lavish items.
Home and Away: Family and Children
May 10th sees a Full Moon in Scorpio, your 4th house of home and family. You’ll have the energy to delve into family matters, which will also affect your work and health. Your emotions will be intense as you concentrate on concerns on the home front. Don’t let misunderstandings with family members get the better of you. Balance your self-importance, security needs, career and ambitions with your home life and build on family relationships. Sentimental possessions, family heirlooms, collections, and real estate matters are also in the frame.
On October 10th, expansive Jupiter moves into your 4th house. There’ll be plenty happening on the home front for the next twelve months, bringing you opportunities to improve your lifestyle either through home extensions, moving to a larger home or property, even moving interstate or overseas depending on career necessities. A parent or family member may be of assistance in helping you set up a new home. You’ll want to have space, and free yourself from restrictive situations. You’ll realise how important the security of your home is to you, with its traditional values and childhood memories. This is a fortunate phase, but if possible refrain from going over-board with home plans and your capacity to meet your obligations. If you are not sure, then take the middle road and remain reasonable with big future plans. Jupiter remains in Scorpio until November 7, 2018. Happy renovating!
October through to January is going to be a hectic time, starting with Mercury in your 4th house from October 17th to November 4th. This is the time to get your ideas and plans underway with agreements, ideas and plans, contacting relatives, thoughts of moving and real estate matters. From October 23rd to November 21st the Sun moves through your home sector for one month, generating further energy to attend to matters at home, including memorabilia, sentimental keepsakes, old wares, your family tree and your unconscious drives.
November 7th to the 30th beautiful Venus starts the ball rolling with redecoration, entertaining at home, sprucing up the garden, and uniting family members with harmony and peace offerings. The New Moon on November 18th will activate your deeper emotional feelings about security, comforts at home, the past, and take you on a new direction with family relationships. However, you may find it difficult to adjust to changes not only with conditions at home but also with family. Action-orientated Mars zooms into your 4th house from December 9th to January 25th. You’ll have greater physical energy to get jobs done around the home, such as clearing rubbish, maintenance and repairs. At the same time beware that your impulsiveness and hasty actions could create arguments with family. Accidents, cuts, abrasions and fires around the home are also possible. Keep your insurance up to date, especially with Mercury retrograde during the holiday period.
Work and Health: Balancing Your Energies
Dark Pluto remains in practical Capricorn, your 12th house, and will do for some time to come. Your health will come under attention, forcing you to seek ultimate control and a position of greater power. During this particular period, power and influence are subtle and may, for one reason or another, be hidden. By choice or circumstances you may be forced to deliberately hide your personal influence as well as material assets that may give you such power. Your search for control of one sort or another may itself be hidden or just not be very obvious to others. You may develop interest in dream analysis, occult subjects, and the development and use of intuitive and paranormal power such as clairvoyance and ESP. No matter what form it takes, inner strength is what you’re after. Meanwhile rebellious Uranus is still in the background, clashing with Pluto to restructure your work, routine and job role. It will be a tense time on February 8th, when you are likely to keep worries and concerns to yourself, not only in your work area but also with regard to travel, study, politics and the law. From February 21st to the 24th, there’s a chance you will clash with authority types and be put in a position of quarrelling, particularly if you are challenged over your beliefs, overseas issues and travelling.
Mercury will remain retrograde in Capricorn at the start of the year, re-entering your 12th house on January 12th. If you have had a holiday break then you’ll soon need to get back to work issues by catching up on your workload and clearing the decks of the backlog and plan for 2017.
July 9th sees the Full Moon in Capricorn, when emotions are likely to be testy particularly if you have to deal with authority types. This will be an intense time when subconscious fears and concerns could overwhelm you, due to changes happening in your area of work and health.
Saturn Enters Capricorn
The Lord of Karma, Saturn moves into your 12th house on December 20th for a long stay. This influence has as much to do with the past as it does with the present. It urges you to throw out what is wasteful and to abandon unsuccessful situations, replacing them with something more solid and useful. Confront what is hidden from others, whether deliberately or inadvertently. You must face your fears and worries, resolve issues from the past that continue to weaken your happiness and productivity, and deal responsibly with loss and disappointment. If you have taken refuge in self-pity and guilt in the past, you now have to rid yourself of these destructive habits. It is not a phase in which to expect others to notice or applaud your struggles and successes. From December 20th to the 23rd, you will have a load on your shoulders, so just deal with it the best way you can.
